Edmonton's Best Neighbourhoods 2017

The results of our annual survey are in, and our readers know what they like — the top five neighbourhoods remain unchanged from last year, though there’s a new No. 1 in town.

by Breanna Mroczek

July 26, 2017

illustration by Andrew Benson

1. Glenora

After five consecutive years on top, Strathcona has to surrender its crown to Glenora. The votes were close — we’re talking British Columbia elections close — but it was a win for Glenora nonetheless. (It’s also important to note that Russia did not interfere with the voting process.) Interestingly, Glenora’s win suggests a disparity in ideals and reality; the city is constantly promoting density, yet many of Glenora’s 3,513 residents vote against basement suites and infill housing. So while you won’t find diverse housing beyond large lots and detached character homes (1,155/1,569 homes in the area are detached, according to the 2016 municipal census), you will find the beautiful Alexander Circle with its iconic fountain, tree-lined streets, dream homes, an active community league and proximity to downtown, the river valley and High Street — and those are all things to love.

Green Glenora: The Glenora Community League building uses solar panels, thanks to a pilot project initiated by the Edmonton Federation of Community Leagues.

2. Strathcona

While not No. 1 this year, locals still love Strathcona for its density and amenities including the weekly farmers’ market, walkability, patios, venues for theatre and live entertainment and annual festivals including the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival — there’s plenty of appeal that draws locals from all neighbourhoods of the city.

Green Strathcona: That bright green fixture in front of Next Act Pub next to the bike corral is actually a bike repair station. It includes a tire pump and eight tools for on-the-go repairs.

3. Oliver

The controversy over the new Brewery District didn’t hurt Oliver’s consistent placement in the top five, suggesting that the new development appeals to locals with its shopping, dining and, yes, parking.

Green Oliver: Over on High Street, Carbon Environmental Boutique sells eco-friendly and sustainable lifestyle and home products in a space that’s equally green.

4. Westmount

Talk about getting better with age. Though almost a century old, the neighbourhood of Westmount continues to win over our readers with its refurbished historic homes in an established setting close to (but far enough from) the bustling 124th Street.

5. Ritchie

This dense and mature neighbourhood welcomed a new addition earlier this year, which might be a sign of more revitalization to come. The opening of Ritchie Market has been attractive to residents and visitors alike; Acme Meats, Transcend Coffee and Velocity Cycle have brought their loyal followings to the space, and locals are eagerly enjoying the new Blind Enthusiasm brewery and Biera restaurant.

Green Ritchie: Ritchie Market is a bike commuters dream: it’s got Velocity Cycle’s Creek Side shop, is close to the Mill Creek Ravine and has parking space for 50 bikes.

6. Highlands

7. Garneau

8. Downtown

9. Crestwood

10. Bonnie Doon

11. Belgravia

12. Laurier Heights

13. Parkview

14. Riverdale

15. Windsor Park

16. Cloverdale

17. Strathearn

18. Hazeldean

19. North Glenora

20. Parkallen

Seeing Green Around Town

There are over 40 public electric vehicle charging stations in Edmonton, including four in South Edmonton Common, one in City Hall Parkade, and two fast charging stations at Simons in Londonderry Mall.

Simons in Londonderry Mall in Kilkenny uses solar panels to generate over 50 per cent of the store’s energy.